Best 17 1x4 Scopes for Clear and Accurate Sighting

Looking for a handy way to improve your photos or videos? Our 1x4 scope makes it simple - just clip it on and instantly boost your framing. Whether you’re capturing nature, wildlife, or everyday scenes, this compact tool helps you stay centered and capture better shots every time.

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Reviews

Lunt Solar Systems 60mm Universal Telescope

This portable 60mm telescope from Lunt Solar Systems delivers sharp solar views with its ED Doublet lens and FPL51 glass. The included hydrogen alpha etalon module reveals sunspots, prominences, and flares in remarkable detail. Switching to white light mode turns it into a versatile 70mm scope for viewing planets, lunar surfaces, and deep space objects through standard diagonals.

iOptron 14 Photron Truss Tube Ritchey-Chretien Telescope

This 14-inch telescope features an f/8 Ritchey-Chretien design optimized for astrophotography. The lightweight carbon fiber truss tube construction keeps the scope portable while maintaining rigidity. Users appreciate its excellent edge-to-edge sharpness for detailed celestial imaging.

Explore One Theseus Telescope

With its 60mm aperture and three interchangeable eyepieces, the Theseus delivers impressive views of the lunar surface, Jupiter’s cloud belts, and Saturn’s rings. The included 1.5x erecting eyepiece makes it great for observing terrestrial objects, while the full-size tripod and red dot finder help you get a handle on the night sky.

TeleVue 4X Powermate Scope

This versatile TeleVue barlow doubles as a powerful 4x magnifier for both visual observing and astrophotography. Whether you’re chasing planetary details or snapping photos of the Moon and planets, the quality remains rock-solid, thanks to TeleVue’s renowned optical glass. At just over a pound, it’s not the lightest option out there, but the impressive image clarity and solid build quality make it worth the weight.

Orion 09007 SpaceProbe 130ST

The Orion Space Probe 130ST combines a robust 130mm parabolic mirror with an equatorial mount, delivering sharp planetary views and detailed moon imagery. The included Sirius Plossl eyepieces and reliable EQ-2 mount make it an excellent choice for both bright and deep-sky observing, particularly when targeting solar system objects. At just 24 inches long, this reflector packs impressive performance into a surprisingly portable package, complete with an accessory tray and collimation tools for hassle-free setup.

Feather Vision Verde Vitri Lens

The Feather Vision lens has earned top marks from users who praise its excellent quality and clear image, though the 4x magnification may take some getting used to if you’re transitioning from lower-powered scopes. The multi-layered coating lets more light through, which is especially helpful in low-light conditions or when spotting distant details. Compatibility with popular rifle scopes means you can upgrade your setup without switching sights—just add these premium lenses to your existing setup.

Hawke Nature-Trek 9-27x56 Spotting Scope

This compact spotting scope delivers impressive optical performance without the usual bulk, thanks to its lightweight design and BAK-4 prisms that showcase intense colors. The dual focusing system makes it a breeze to get those fine details in sharp focus, whether you’re watching birds or scanning the horizon from your favorite hilltop spot. With stay-on lens covers and a twist-up eye cup, it’s built to protect your investment while you enjoy clear views in any light condition.

Axcel AVX-41 Scope

The Axcel AVX-41 Scope combines modular design with ambidextrous controls, offering archers versatile customization through interchangeable components like sun shades, torque indicators, and brightness-regulating covers. Built for precision, the scope features a premium stainless steel rod and T-connector, while its Doc’s Choice lens delivers clear visibility across the 4X magnification range.

Vixen Polarie Polar Scope

The Vixen Polarie polar scope might not be the easiest accessory to install, given its specialized threading. Once mounted, though, its benefits become apparent. With its 5x magnification and 20mm aperture, it provides a clear view of the sky through its illuminated 3-star reticle, making it a valuable tool for aligning telescopes and other observational equipment. The red illumination and adjustable brightness levels help preserve night vision while providing just the right amount of light to see the star pattern clearly.

Celestron 70mm Travel Scope

The Celestron Travel Scope 70 packs remarkable optical performance into a portable design that makes it perfect for both casual stargazing and terrestrial observation. The pre-assembled tripod and included backpack make setup a breeze, while the 70mm objective lens delivers sharp details on everything from the moon’s surface to far-off galaxies. Whether you’re spotting wildlife in the daytime or exploring the night sky, this portable telescope delivers impressive results without the bulk of a larger instrument.

Viper Scope Lens

The Viper Lens Kit lets you swap out the standard lens on your Viper scope, giving you more options for magnification. With choices between 2x, 3x, 4x, and 6x power, you can pick the right balance of zoom and brightness for your shooting conditions. The kit includes everything you need to make the switch, including the lens itself, a retainer ring to keep it in place, and the right O-ring for a secure fit.

Athlon Argos 20-60x85 HD Spotting Scope

Combining durable construction with impressive optical clarity, the Athlon Argos spotting scope delivers sharp, well-colored images thanks to its high-quality lens coatings and fog-proof design. At just over 16 inches long, the lightweight composite body feels surprisingly sturdy while handling cold weather conditions. Whether you’re spotting wildlife or using it as a target sight, the adjustable eyecup and 20-60x power range make it practical for all sorts of outdoor activities.

Konus Spy-14 Digital Night Vision Monocular

The KonusSpy-14 packs impressive capabilities into a surprisingly portable package. At just 186.5 grams, this digital spotting scope effortlessly switches between day and night modes thanks to its built-in infrared illuminator. The 1-5x magnification system delivers sharp 1920x1080 video and photo capture, all while keeping the setup admirably simple to use.

Athlon Optics Argos HD Spotting Scope

The Athlon Optics Argos HD combines premium optical components with intuitive design elements for serious outdoor enthusiasts. The nitrogen-purged, waterproof body and wide 85mm objective lens gather plenty of light, while the BaK4 prisms and advanced multi-coating deliver sharp, color-true images from 20x to 60x magnification. The 16-ounce scope feels substantial in hand, with its rubber-coated aluminum construction providing excellent grip and protection.

Athlon Optics 20-60x86 Cronus G2 UHD Spotting Scope

The Athlon Optics Cronus G2 spotting scope delivers exceptional image quality with its advanced apochromatic lens system and Enhanced Dynamic XPL coating. Its 20-60x magnification range lets you go from wide views to impressive close-ups, while the single focus wheel and fine-tune mechanism make it a breeze to get tack-sharp imagery. Whether you’re glassing for wildlife from a distance or checking out details in the field, this scope excels at separating your target from its surroundings.

Vortex Razor HD Spotting Scope

At just 11.1 inches long and 29.5 ounces, this roof prism scope packs serious power into an incredibly portable package. The 13-39x magnification lets you switch between wide-angle scanning and intense zoom without the bulk of a dedicated spotting scope. Whether you’re glassing from dawn to dusk or packing it into the backcountry, the razor-sharp clarity and comfortable eye relief make every session feel like you’re carrying just the right amount of gear.

Killer Instinct Lumix 4x32 FFP Crossbow Scope 1021

With its 1-inch tube construction and multicoated optics, this crossbow scope delivers impressive clarity that’s perfect for getting those long-range shots. The 4x magnification and illuminated blue and red reticle make it stand out in low-light conditions, while the fast-focusing eyepiece lets you dial in your sight quickly and smoothly. The solid build quality and adjustable focus make it a reliable choice for both casual shooters and serious competitors.

Buyer’s Guide

When selecting a 4x scope, several key features and considerations will influence your choice. Understanding these elements will help you find a scope that matches your needs and expectations.

Field of View

The field of view determines how much you can see through the scope at various distances. It’s measured in feet or meters and changes with magnification. A larger field of view at 4x magnification provides more peripheral vision, which can be crucial for quick target acquisition and environmental awareness.

Objective Lens Diameter

The objective lens collects light and affects the scope’s brightness and resolution. A larger diameter (e. g. , 40mm) admits more light, making the scope easier to use in low-light conditions. However, larger lenses are also heavier and more prone to fogging.

Magnification

Most 4x scopes offer fixed 4x magnification, but some models provide adjustable power. Fixed magnification is generally more practical for hunting and general shooting, while adjustable scopes may offer flexibility for different shooting scenarios or environmental conditions.

Eye Relief and Focus

Eye relief is the distance between the lens and your eye when the scope is properly sighted. Adequate eye relief (usually 3-4 inches) is essential for shooters with glasses or for maintaining a consistent point of impact. The scope should also allow smooth focus adjustment to accommodate varying shooting distances and environmental conditions.

FAQ

What is a 1x4 scope?

The 1x4 scope features a 1x magnification setting for clear, wide-field viewing and a 4x setting for closer inspection of details. This versatile scope combines basic functionality with the option for magnified observation.

Designed for quick, stable viewing, the 1x setting helps maintain target acquisition while the 4x setting allows for more detailed examination without the need for external magnification devices.

How does the 1x4 scope compare to a 3x9 scope?

The 1x4 scope offers a simpler, more straightforward design with fixed magnification settings. In contrast, 3x9 scopes provide a broader range of magnification options, typically including variable zoom capabilities.

The trade-off is that 1x4 scopes often sacrifice some magnification versatility for simplicity and ease of use. While 3x9 scopes may offer more viewing flexibility, 1x4 scopes excel in situations where basic, reliable magnification is preferred.

What are the key benefits of the 1x4 scope?

At its core, the 1x4 scope delivers exceptional optical clarity without the complexity of variable zoom. The fixed 1x magnification ensures stability and ease of use, while the 4x setting provides enough magnification for detailed observation without the bulk of more complex scopes.

Its straightforward design makes it ideal for beginners and situations where quick, reliable performance is crucial. The scope’s durability and simple operation contribute to its widespread use in various applications, from casual observation to specific professional fields.

Are 1x4 scopes suitable for all types of observation?

While 1x4 scopes excel in many applications, their fixed magnification limits their versatility compared to variable zoom scopes. They perform exceptionally well for birdwatching, nature study, and general outdoor observation where a balance of wide field and basic magnification is ideal.

Their limitations become more apparent in scenarios requiring extensive magnification or variable viewing distances. For these situations, more complex optical systems that offer both wide-angle and high-magnification capabilities are recommended.

How does weather-resistant construction impact the scope’s performance?

Weather-resistant construction protects the scope’s optical elements and mechanisms from environmental factors like moisture, dust, and temperature changes. This protective coating ensures longer-lasting performance and clearer views in various weather conditions.

While non-weather-resistant scopes may still function in mild conditions, their performance can degrade more quickly in harsh environments. The extra protection offered by weather-resistant scopes makes them a wise investment for regular outdoor use.

What maintenance requirements should users be aware of?

Regular cleaning of both the exterior and lens elements is crucial for maintaining optimal performance. Use suitable cleaning solutions and cloths to remove dust and fingerprints from the outer surfaces, and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for lens cleaning.

Check the eyecup and all adjusting mechanisms for proper functioning and replace damaged or worn parts promptly. Regular inspection of the scope’s mounting and support systems ensures continued stability and reliability during use.

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